CLGS

At the turn of the millennium, Pacific School of Religion took a bold step by establishing the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry — the only Center of its kind located at a school of theology or seminary anywhere in the world. Since then CLGS has embraced that boldness, expanding its on-campus and Bay Area programs into a national resource for both faith communities and activist organizations.

To mark and celebrate these ten years of bold witness and to envision an even more robust and thriving future, CLGS is pleased to showcase its programs and vision in a week-long celebration beginning on September 19. All are welcome! Join us! (View or download the Anniversary Week flyer by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page. Post and circulate!)

Monday, September 20 The Seamless Garment of Social Justice

PSR Dean, Mary Tolbert, in conversation with the Coordinators of the Racial/Ethnic Roundtables (African-American, Asian Pacific-Islander, and Latino/a) will highlight the vital intersections of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and religion. The Racial/Ethnic Roundtable Project was one of the first programming initiatives the Center undertook soon after its founding and continues to reside at the heart of the Center’s commitment to addressing all social justice issues as a “seamless garment.” (12:30pm, Mudd Room 100)

Tuesday, September 21 Richly Textured and Diverse Worship

The Bay Area Coalition of Welcoming Congregations will host a worship service on campus, highlighting the rich diversity of the dozens of congregations and various religious and spiritual traditions currently represented in the coalition. Carol Lynn Pearson, who has worked extensively with the Mormon Church and California's Proposition 8, will speak. All are welcome! (7:00pm, PSR Chapel)

Thursday, September 23

• Lavender Lunch: “Medical Marijuana in the Sanctuary, and Communion on the Streets: Lessons from a Queer Church in the Midst of Community Crisis” This Lavender Lunch will feature Aidan Dunn’s research on the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco (MCCSF), an LGBT congregation located in an epicenter of the AIDS crisis. Confronted by overwhelming devastation, this church created innovative ministries in unprecedented circumstances. How can we apply the lessons from MCCSF’s ministry during this period to ministries “outside of the box” today (12:30pm, Mudd 100; bring your lunch, CLGS will provide dessert!)
• Festive Reception! Everyone is welcome to a festive reception in the Holbrook Building Lobby (4:00 — 6:00pm) to enjoy the fabulous anniversary wall mural, socialize and meet CLGS staff.
• Documentary Film Screening: “Hineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High School.” This moving film features an inspiring story about one student's courageous fight to establish a gay-straight alliance at a Jewish high school in the Boston area and the transformative impact this struggle has on the entire community. (7:00pm, Mudd Room 100)

Friday, September 24 Transfigurations

Peterson Toscano performs “Transfigurations,” a one-person play that unearths transgender Bible characters – those people who do not fit in the gender binary, and who in transgressing and transcending gender, find themselves at the center of some of the Bible's most important stories. This special performance is co-sponsored by the GTU Center for the Arts, Religion, and Education. Join us for a recpetion at 6:00pm in the Bade Museum; performance begins at 7:00pm.

Q&A with the the Performer! Everyone is invited to meet Peterson Toscano and hear about his work. Join us in the Mudd Building, Room 100, at 3:30pm.

View or download the Anniversary Week flyer here...